New Apostolic Church
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The New Apostolic Church (NAC) is a chiliastic church, existing since 1879 in Germany and since 1897 in the Netherlands. It came forth from the Hamburg schism in 1863 in the Catholic Apostolic Church, which was founded in 1847 in England and started in the 1830s as a renewal movement in, among others, the Anglican Church and Church of Scotland.
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[edit] History
Through prophecies in England in 1832 John Bate Cardale was called as the first apostle of the second sending. Until 1835 eleven more men from various Christian denominations, social positions and religious training were called to the newly founded apostle ministry. After a long period of combined preparation, these apostles started to travel around the world, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The main point of their gospel was the imminent return of Jesus Christ and spreading the sacrament of the Holy Sealing (to be compared with confirmation).
After the death of three apostles in 1855 the apostolate declared that there was no reason to call new apostles. Two callings of substitutes were explained by the apostolate in 1860 as coadjutors to the remaining apostles. After this event another apostle was called in Germany in 1862 by the prophet Heinrich Geyer. The English apostles didn't agree with this calling, and therefore the Hamburg congregation with its 'angel' F.W. Schwartz split off to form the Allgemeine Christliche Apostolische Mission in 1863 and the Dutch branch of the Restored Apostolic Mission Church (at first known as Apostolische Zending, since 1893 officially registered as Hersteld Apostolische Zendingkerk (HAZK)).
While the English apostles were dying, the new generation of German apostles started to spread "the word" around the world. After a second schism in 1897 in the Netherlands, the number of twelve apostles was bygone and more men were ordained as apostles. In 1907 the name of the church in Germany was changed into New Apostolic Church. In the Netherlands the name Hersteld Apostolische Zendinggemeente in de Eenheid der Apostelen (HAZEA) that was adopted after the schism of 1897, was maintained until the 1960s.
The New Apostolic Church formed a central ruling ministry in form of the "Chief Apostle". Parallel to the progress of the new apostolic denomination there occurred splittings throughout the world on several occasions.
The reasons for these divisions were different but mainly related with the central ministry of the Chief Apostle.
The first big schism occurred in Saxony in 1921. The New Apostolic Chief Apostle Hermann Niehaus was led more and more by emotions, dreams and visions after 1914. The Saxon Apostle Brückner became the solicitor for all those who criticized the spiritual views of the Chief Apostle and the worshipping of his person. The different opinions led to the exclusion of Apostle Brückner and some thousand believers in 1921. The excluded founded the "Reformiert-Apostolischer Gemeindebund."
The main reason for the great splittings of the New Apostolic Church in Switzerland 1954 and West-Germany 1955 was the new teaching in 1951 of the then-reigning Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff. This teaching presumed that he would not die before Jesus Christ returned to take the predestined into his kingdom (First Resurrection). In 1954 this teaching, called "The Botschaft," became an official dogma. Those ministers, especially the apostles who did not preach this, lost their offices and were excluded from the New Apostolic Church. Chief Apostle Bischoff died in 1960 without his prophecy being fulfilled. Apparently, God was misunderstood.
There was no restoration of the excommunicated ministries. The various communities and congregations like the Apostolic Church of Queensland or the Apostolic Church of South Africa - Apostle Unity which evolved out of these conflicts in different countries (Australia, Europe, South Africa) gathered 1956 in the "United Apostolic Church".
On May 1, 2005 a document of first steps of reconciliation was signed by the Swiss New Apostolic Church and the United Apostolic Church in Switzerland (Vereinigung Apostolischer Christen).
[edit] Voluntary donations and working in an honorary capacity
[edit] Working in an honorary capacity
Pastoral and organisational duties in the congregations are carried out in an honorary capacity. All acts and blessings performed by the church, e.g. baptisms, wedding ceremonies or funeral services are carried out free of charge.
[edit] Use of resources
The church endeavours to manage its affairs with as little administration as possible and with no financial accountability or reporting to the members at all. Bookkeeping and accounting requirements are largely handled by independent Certified Public Accountants.
[edit] Political neutrality
The New Apostolic Church abstains from all political statements. It expects its members to fulfill the laws and the civil obligations of their countries provided divine laws are not transgressed. The church attaches importance to open and trusting relations with governments, authorities and the general public. New Apostolic Christians are free to engage in public life.
[edit] The Gospel and the pastoral work have first priority
The main focus of church activities are Divine Services and pastoral care of the individual members. In addition, the New Apostolic Church is engaged in charity activities within the bounds of its limited possibilities. If, in individual cases, help is urgently required, it is given directly and according to the need.
[edit] The New Apostolic Creed
Article 1: I believe in God the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Article 2: I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, entered the realm of the departed, rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from whence he shall return.
Article 3: I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy apostolic church; the community of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting.
Article 4: I believe that the Lord Jesus rules his church through living apostles until his return, and that he has sent them into the world and still sends them with the commission to teach, to forgive sins in his name and to baptise with water and the Holy Spirit.
Article 5: I believe that all ministers in the Church of Christ are chosen and ordained into their ministries only by apostles and that all gifts and powers must come forth out of the apostle ministry; equipped with these, the community becomes a legible letter of Christ.
Article 6: I believe that the Holy Baptism with water is part of the rebirth, and that a person baptised with water is entitled to the Holy Sealing. It is furthermore the covenant of a good conscience with God.
Article 7: I believe that the Holy Communion was instituted by the Lord himself, in memory of the once brought eternally valid sacrifice and the bitter suffering and death of Christ. The worthy partaking of the Holy Communion establishes our fellowship with Jesus Christ, our Lord. It is celebrated with unleavened bread and wine, such to be blessed and dispensed by a priestly ministry of the Church.
Article 8: I believe that those baptised with water must receive the Holy Spirit through an apostle, to obtain the childhood in God, whereby they become incorporated as members in the body of Christ.
Article 9: I believe that the Lord Jesus will return as sure as he ascended to heaven and that he will transform and take unto him the dead in Christ and the living bridal souls, who have hoped for and were prepared for his coming; that after the marriage in heaven he will return to earth with them, to establish his kingdom of peace and that they will reign with him as kings and priests. After conclusion of the kingdom of peace, he will hold the Last Judgement when all souls who did not take part in the first resurrection shall receive their part according to their conduct, be it good or evil.
Article 10: I believe that I am obliged to obey the worldly authorities provided no godly laws are thereby transgressed.
[edit] Individual pastoral care
[edit] Special services
In keeping with the various needs of the congregations, there are a great number of other services provided. Administering to the needs of the children (Sunday Pre-school, Sunday School and religious instruction), the youth (youth evenings, Youth services, youth events) and the senior members (senior events) is an important part of church activities. Thus, fellowship is cultivated, and the bonds between members of the Church strengthened.
[edit] Church music
The choirs of the congregations meet regularly for choir rehearsal, as do the various orchestras and instrumental groups - whenever possible. Music is promoted in the New Apostolic Church to a great extent.
[edit] Church ministers are laymen
As in the Early Christian Church, the church ministers have no theological training. In addition to their family, professional and social obligations, they perform their pastoral duties in an honorary capacity. One of their most important duties is to give comfort to the souls entrusted into their care.
[edit] Charitable work
Charitable and social work is also growing in significance. This includes donations of food, medicine and clothing. And in poor countries and regions, kindergartens, schools, hospitals and clinics also receive financial support.
[edit] Decentralised structures and duties of ministries
[edit] District Apostles head regional churches
Those working closest to the Chief Apostle are the District Apostles. They are the heads of the different regional churches and are assisted by other Apostles. Together with the Chief Apostle they provide global unity in church doctrine and in pastoral care.
[edit] International conferences foster unity
The Chief Apostle and the District Apostles meet regularly to consult each other on church matters of international significance. Every three years all Apostles gather for an international general assembly.
[edit] Further ministries assist the Apostles
Bishops, District Elders and District Evangelists assist the Apostles in fulfilling their regional duties. The congregations are the centre of religious life. They are in the care of Shepherds, Evangelists or Priests commissioned by the Apostles. These Rectors of the congregations are assisted by Priests, and Deacons.
[edit] More than 11 million members around the globe
The New Apostolic Church is established in almost all the countries on this earth. Around the globe there are more than 11 million members from all age groups and areas of society.
[edit] New Apostolic faith in everyday life
The behaviour of New Apostolic Christians in their personal environment is marked by the wish to lead their lives according to God's will. This means to meet everybody with respect and to be helpful.
[edit] Publications
Periodicals produced by the New Apostolic Church include Our Family (Unsere Familie) and Word of Life (described as a circular for the church's ministers).
[edit] Doctrine
The New Apostolic Church sees herself as the salvation work of Jesus Christ and is strongly expecting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in the near future, aiming to be led into heaven when Jesus Christ returns on earth. The church regards the basis of this faith as being found in the Bible, including the Apocrypha. In 2005 a District Apostles Meeting declared that the Apocrypha "are just as binding for the faith and doctrine of the New Apostolic Church as the other writings of the Old Testament" (see official statement here).
Questions and Answers is the name of the New Apostolic Church's catechism. Available for decades, it was most recently revised in 1992[1]. An online summary of New Apostolic positions on a wide range of doctrines can be found here.
The New Apostolic Church knows three sacraments:
[edit] Holy Baptism with water
- In the NAC the Holy Baptism with water is part of the spiritual rebirth and a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit. Everyone can be baptised, both children and adults. The baptism can be transferred by priestly ministries.
[edit] Holy Communion
- In every service the sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated. The holy communion is accessible for baptized members of the Church and those who have been invited as guests. Priestly ministries direct the holy communion.
[edit] Holy Sealing
- The Holy Sealing is a part of the spiritual rebirth. It is the baptising with the Holy Spirit as it was in Jesus' time. In this act, believes the NAC, man becomes a child of God and will be ready to enter heaven. The Holy Sealing can only be transferred by an apostle. Just like the holy baptism, the holy sealing is accessible to both children and adults.
[edit] Organization
The head office of the New Apostolic Church is located in Zurich, Switzerland. From here the worldwide church is led. The church is split up in several regional churches, covering entire countries or continents. The NAC finances herself thanks to voluntarily gifts of the church members. The NAC doesn't collect taxes. The received money is used for building maintenance, social aid and aid to the developing countries. The church is politically neutral and expects her members to comply with local laws.
Worldwide the NAC has eleven million members spread over all continents.
[edit] Ministries
The ministries in the NAC are hierarchical. Only men can carry a ministry. The highest minister present in a congregation conducts the service. The different ministries are:
[edit] Apostles
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- Chief Apostle
- The Chief Apostle is the head of the church. His position can be compared to the one Apostle Peter had 2,000 years ago in the circle of the Apostles. Traditionally only the chief apostle appoints new apostles although at times of necessity, such as during WWII, he can commission an apostle to ordain other apostles. Not to be confused, the Chief Apostle is head of the church here on earth, but Jesus Christ is the one who is head of all souls. The current chief apostle is Wilhelm Leber.
- District Apostles
- District apostles govern the different regional churches, supported by apostles. District Apostles can serve holy communion to the departed, as well as baptize and seal the departed.
- Apostles
- The apostle ministry is a very important ministry in the NAC. Only apostles can carry out the gift of the Holy Spirit and ordain new ministries. Presently around 360+ apostles are working around the world. Apostles can also assist their District Apostle in the commission of District Apostle Helper. District Apostle Helpers can serve holy communion to the departed, as well as baptize and seal the departed.
[edit] Priests
The different priestly ministries work in the local congregations and have responsibility for the direct spiritual care of the congregations. Priestly ministries can carry out the holy baptism and the holy communion. They also are often cross-scheduled to conduct divine service in other congregations. The ministries that are considered priestly are as follows:
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- Bishops
- A bishop works in several church districts, often in directly supporting the apostle working in his district.
- District Elders
- District Elders are mostly leading a regional church district. Some districts are too small to warrant this ministry.
- District Evangelists
- District Evangelists support the district elders.
- Shepherds
- A shepherd is local working, mostly leading large congregations.
- Evangelists
- An evangelist is local working, leading congregations. The evangelist ministry is charged with testimony of the faith. It is usually associated in newly built congregations responsible for testifying the faith to non-members and members alike.
- Priests
- Priests have direct responsibility for the spiritual care of the members. Several priests can belong to one congregation, depending on the local need. Priests and up can be commissioned to care for a congregation as the Rector. Unless a higher ministry is present, a priest conducts the service. Often, priests are swtiched around to conduct divine service in nearby congregations.
[edit] Deacons
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- Deacons
- The deacon ministry is a local ministry. A deacon mostly works in his home congregation to support the priests. If a priest is unavailable, a Deacon will hold a divine service without the act of communion.
There was also a ministry known as Sub-Deacon. However, over time, the responsibilities of Deacons and Sub-Deacons had begun to converge. Thus, after a District Apostles Meeting, it was decided that, as of January 1st, 2002, no more Sub-Deacons would be ordained.
[edit] Controversy
At Christmas in 1950, Chief Apostle J.G. Bischoff declared his "Botschaft" ("message"), announcing that he would not die before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, during which the chosen people were to be taken into His kingdom (the First Resurrection). In 1954 this teaching became the church's official dogma. Those ministers, especially the apostles, who did not preach this message lost their positions and were excommunicated from the New Apostolic Church. The most important "victim" of this policy was Peter Kuhlen, the ordained successor to J.G. Bischoff. When Chief Apostle Bischoff died in 1960, his dogma about Christ's return had not been fulfilled. Unfortunately, the excommunicated ministers were not rehabilitated, up to the present day. The various communities and congregations which evolved from these conflicts in different countries (Australia, Europe, South Africa) gathered in 1956 to form the United Apostolic Church.
[edit] References
Burklin, Frederick O. (1978). The New Apostolic Church. In David J. Hesselgrave (Ed.) Dynamic Religious Movements. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
[edit] See also
- Twelve Apostles
- Chief Apostle
- Religion in Germany
- Apostolic Church of South Africa - Apostle Unity
- United Apostolic Church
- Old Apostolic Church
[edit] External links
[edit] Sympathetic sites
- New Apostolic Church International
- New Apostolic Church USA
- New Apostolic Church links to international English-language web sites
- Homosexual, bisexual and transsexual Christians in the New Apostolic Church
[edit] Critical sites
- The New Apostolic Church Examined by Bruce R. Duncan
- Why I Am Not a New Apostolic
- Critical survey of New Apostolic doctrine
- The New Apostolic Church by Defending the Faith Ministries
- New Apostolic Church A survey of controversial issues
- New Apostolic Church by Eryl Davies
- The New Apostolic Church extensive collection of articles
- NAC Board open discussions on the New Apostolic Church
- Neuapostolische Kirche Kritische Betrachtung German-language site
